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The Sherman Tank in Israeli Service

The American M4 Sherman tank has seen battle with the IDF in four major conflicts, from War of Independence (1948) to Yom Kippur War (1973), more than any other tank. It had also been modified and more sub-variants of it were produced more than any other tank in IDF service - from a main battle tank to engineer vehicle, self propelled gun and anti-radar missle launcher.

After the end of the second world war, thousands of M-4 Sherman tanks were taken out of service by the Allied armies. That made those tanks almost the only ones available to the young state of Israel - with it's economic struggles and the embargo on weapon sells to it by most countries.

The first Sherman tanks were bought during the 1948 War of Independence, from an Italian junkyard where they were awaiting their selling for scrap. The IDF eventually bought 35 of these, but only 14 were operational by the end of the war. Since these tanks had sabotaged guns, some were regunned with the Krup 75mm field gun.

During the early '50s, more M4 were purchased from various sources, and the Sherman became the standard tank in the Israeli armored units. In collaboration with France, the tanks were regunned with the M50 75mm gun (M-50) and, later, with a 105mm gun (M-51). Some "Super Sherman" tanks, armed with a 76.2mm (M-1) gun were also purchased.

The Sherman saw action in the 1956 "Kadesh" operation in Sinai, against the Egyptian army (who employed it's own version of the M-4, returreted with AMX-13 turret). In Six Day War (1967), Sherman brigades were still the mainstay of the Israeli armored forces, though more modern MBT's were in service at the time. In the Yom Kippur War (1973), Sherman tanks fought, as always, in the front lines. Fighting against Syrian and Egyptian T-55 and T-62 MBT's with a WW2 vintage weapon, the Sherman crewmen made true the motto of the IDF's armor corps: "Man is the steel".

No other vehicle in IDF use was modified and had so many variants based upon as the Sherman. Besides it's use as a tank, there were engineer variants, mine plowers, rescue vehicles, gun practice moving targets, self propelled guns, mortars and MLRs, ambulance and many more. The M-50/155 Howizter is another conversion of the M-4 Sherman. The M-50 155mm is an Israeli indeginious self propelled gun - a French 155mm howitzer was fitted on a Sherman chassis.

M4

The medium Sherman tank is one of the many models built by the US Industry during WWII The M4s of which 49,000 were built from 1942-1945, were the tanks that finally managed to defeat the Nazi armour in combat in Europe and North Africa, and also against the Japanese Army in the Far East.

A 30 M4A1 tanks fitted with a 105mm Howitzer were purchased by the IDF from surplus warlike stores of the Allied Forces in Italy. The Americans had drilled a bore in the barrel in order to damage their combat fitness. The tanks Howitzers were repaired by the IDF in enough time to take part in the

War of Independence (1948) when only 3 M4a1 tanks where ready in the end of the war, this tanks participated in battles in the Negev and the Northern Sinai Peninsula. After the war in 1950's there were around two companies of this tanks. Israel purchase 40 M4A4 tanks with M4A1 engine from French.

M4A4 tank in Sinai Campaign (1956)

When the Sinai Campaign (1956) war broke out, Israel had 180 Shermans ready for battle of total 205 Shermans, during the Sinai Campaign (1956) war Israel captured M4A3 tanks from Egyptians.

The M4A1's cast upper hull gave it distinctive rounded edges. This makes it the easiest of Sherman tanks to identify. Other identifying features of M4A1, which it shares with M4, are the rear of the tank and engine access panels. There are twin engine access doors in the rear hull and air cleaners at the top corners of these doors. M4A1 had twin square muffler tailpipes at the top of the rear hull above the air cleaners, a steel-covered air intake behind the turret, and solid engine access doors in the rear deck behind the turret. The main gun in the first M4A1s built was the 75mm M2, which was shorter than the M3.

M4A1 Sherman tanks

The M4A3s were fitted with the heavy-duty suspension bogies and single-piece final drive and differential housing. The rear armor of the M4A3 reached below the sponson line, as on M4A2, but M4A3's rear deck engine grill doors ran from sponson to sponson. M4A3 also lacked the row of bolts that were embedded into M4A2's rear plate.

M-1(Supersherman)

As the French policy towards Israel underwent a maior change, France agreed in 1950's to provide Israel with around 250 Sherman's (Supershermans). These were mainly M4A1 tanks, with 76.2mm M1 guns, and HVSS. The tanks were transferred to Israel in a clandestine operation lasting for several weeks, this tanks arrived directly to beaches in Israel in 1953-1954. They arrived just in time to participate in the Sinai Campaign (1956).

When the Sinai Campaign (1956) war broke out, Israel had 180 Shermans ready for battle of total 205 Shermans.

When the Arabs armies had received new Soviet tanks during the early 1950's, Israeli Sherman tanks were rapidly outclassed, being insufficiently armed for dealing with T-34 and T-85 tanks. This situation led to development of new improved Sherman tanks. The solution were 75mm CN 75-50 French gun with 1000 m/sec.

The prototype turret was sent to Israel in 1955, This gun was fitted in M4A4 and M4A3 tanks, first 50 M-50 tanks had VVSS and in middle 1961 there were 300 M-50 tanks ready with HVSS.

One of the best Kepts secrets in the Sinai Campaign (1956) was the participation of US made Sherman M-50 tanks on which the French mounted a 75mm gun. When the Sinai Campaign (1956) war broke out, Israel had 180 Shermans ready for battle of total 205 Shermans. M-50s were active combatans in the Sinai Peninsula and in the daring battle on the Roeifa Dam under the command of Moshe Brill. After many tracks and engine modifications by the IDF, they were used in the Six Day War (1967) and Yom Kippur War (1973).

When the Six Day War (1967) war broke out, Israel had 515 Shermans ready for battle of total 520 Shermans, and when the Yom Kippur War (1973) war broke out, Israel had 340 Shermans.

In 1983 Chile acquired a number of M-50s from Israel.

M-51 (Isherman)

When the M-50 designed to defeat T-34 and T-85 tanks with the CN 75-50 gun, with appearance of T-54 and T-55 the new Arab tanks Israeli needed again new gun and as on M-50 Israel used French gun, the new 105mm CN 105 F1 gun. This gun was a 56 calibre and 6m long, firing a HEAT round with a 1000 m/sec. However, this gun could definitely not be installed in a Sherman turret, as this offered not enough recoil space. Israel then came up with a solution of their own: By shortening the gun to a 44 calibre gun (about 1.4 meters shorter) and accepting a lower muzzle velocity of around 800 m/sec. this odification, called the CN 105 D1 gun, could indeed be crammed into a T 23 turret.

This gun was fitted in M4A1 tanks with HVSS, 180 M-51 tanks were ready in late 1960's. The M-51 Sherman tank developed with French-Israeli collaboration of the basis of the US Sherman tank, mounted a long 105 mm gun. The tank also had installed a US diesel engine and wide track and suspension. The tank participated in combat during the Six Day War (1967). In the famous battle in the Dotan Valley, as well as in the Yom Kippur War (1973).

When the Six Day War (1967) war broke out, Israel had 515 Shermans ready for battle of total 520 Shermans, and when the Yom Kippur War (1973) war broke out, Israel had 340 Shermans.

In the mid to late 70s, Israel had supplied over 150 M-51 Sherman tanks to the Chilean army.

M-60 is an Israeli modification of the M-50 and M-51 variant of the Sherman main battle tanks. In this version, the French gun is replaced by a 60mm HVMS gun, for use as a heavy support vehicle, and the engine is replaced with a variant of the same engine used in the Stingray tank.

Israeli HVMS (Hyper Velocity Medium Suppor) 60mm gun (as on M113 HVMS APC) was fitted in Sherman tanks that Israeli supplied to Chilean army. The HVMS gun was a small 60mm gun that provided high velocity kinetic energy projectiles to penetrate unheard of amounts of armour at considerable ranges.

Chile acquired from Israel 50 units of M-51 in the 1970s and 1980s, with a total of 50 units. These tanks arrived at Chile with 75mm gun (the same one installed in the AMX-13) that replaced later in 1980s by the new 60mm HVMS gun of hypervelocity. The trajectory of the projectile is so tense that it does not require of systems of fire control falsified, the substitution by a new motor, these tanks with the new 60mm HVMS gun were the answer to the T-55 Peruvian in the almost happened situation.

In 1983 Chile acquired a number of M-50s from Israel as well. By mid 1984, they had arrived without their 75 mm guns. The M-50s were fitted with a 60mm HVMS gun by the Chilean national arms industry at Fuerte Arteaga. This modification was developed by NIMDA Co. Ltd. of Tel Aviv, Israel. Although as many as 50 to 65 M-50s were acquired, 48 are now on strength.

They have a prominent engine exhaust on the rear deck.

Piraña 6x6

The Chilean army in planning on replacing its old tanks by adding the Leopard 1, acquired from Holland, and retiring the M-51 and mounting their 60mm HVMS gun on the Piraña 6x6.

The site that I used to get this info is not an "English as first language" site so the site's Englaish translation is a bit rough in spots.

Soltan L-33 (Ro'em) 155mm development of the Israeli military industry,built on body of Sherman tank, the old petrol engine was replace with an advanced diesel one, Israel used it in the Yom Kippur War (1973), its maximum shooting is up to 20 km.

This is a self-propelled howitzer 155mm built by Soltam of Israel on the chassis of the M4 Sherman tank, which Israel had many of at the time. The howitzer is mounted in a fighting compartment consisting of a raised superstructure running from the rear to the middle of the vehicle. The driver is seated at the front left with a bullet resistant windshield to his front and sides. The commander is to the rear of the driver on top of the raised superstructure. There is a cupola to the right of the commander with a machinegun. The crew enters and leaves via a hatch on either side of the vehicle. A longer-length barrel is available which allows +10% range, but this version is very rare. The engine in the L-33 has been replaced with a more powerful model to cope with the increased weight.

M-50 155mm

This is another modification of the Sherman tank chassis by Israel, this time to carry a French-designed Model 50 155mm howitzer. This vehicle was first introduced in the late 1950s. The layout is similar to the Ambutank, but the rear area is open-topped and taken up by the howitzer and ammunition.

New M-50 155mm self propelled field gun during the Independence Day in 1964.

Six-day War (1967). Israeli troops rolling into Rafa.

An M-50 returning from the western bank of the Suez Canal after the 1973 ceasefire (Yom Kippur War).

Makmat 160mm

Makmat 160mm self propelled 160mm mortar mounted on a Sherman chassis

The Makmat 160mm is a self propelled 160mm mortar mounted on a Sherman chassis. It entered service in the early '60s, and proved to be an extremely potent weapon. Makamt 160mm was developed after Six-day War (1967) and used in Yom Kippur War (1973) and Peace For Galilee (1982)

Mortars are avilable in towed configuration, for ground deployment, or in S.P. version. The barrel is a high-tensile strength, alloy steel tube. At the bottom end is the breech piece which contains the firing mechanism.

The striker can be withdrawn to provide safety, particularly in the case of a misfire. There is no bipod mounting for this weapon, instead, the barrel is elevated and depressed by a single column which is part of the carriage. The weight of the bomb makes conventional muzzle loading difficult so it is necessary to lower the barrel to a loading position. This is done by folding down the elevating strut from a hinge at its mid-point.

There is a spring loaded counterbalance mechanism which makes it easy to elevate the barrel each time it is loaded. After loading, the barrel is errected back exactly to its original elevation. The carriage axles allow the roadwheels to be turned in and locked by a cam plate attached to the axle. The offside roadwheel incorporates a clutch and handle to allow slow traverse. The carriage rolls on its wheels through a complete 360° circle without moving the baseplate.

The baseplate is heavy flat disc welded with a number of webs to give stiffness and to prevent any tendency to slide sideways. Four handles are welded to the top plate to allow carriage and baseplate extraction. There is a central socket into which the tail of the breech piece fits. This allows a full 360° traverse without movement of the baseplate. There is a spring-loaded arrangement to ensure that the breech piece cannot leave the baseplate.

The Soltam systems 160 mm Mortars fire a 38 kg bomb out to 9,600 m. To do this requires a heavy weapon (1,700 kg in firing position) and 6 to 8 crewmembers.

MAR-240

The Sherman was used by the IDF as a multy-purpose platform carrier. Among others, it mounted a launcherfor 240mm rockets, similar to those fired by the infamous Soviet "Katyusha". Raised and transverse movementof the laucher was controlled by a hydraulic system manufactured by the Israeli Military Industries (IMI). The vehicle was recently discontinued in the IDF.

MAR-290 (Sherman Chassis)

The development and production of the "Katyusha" rocket system, were definitely a major step forward in the building of artillery power, but an insufficient one. This became very clear in the War of Attrition when Egypt had more artillery power than Israel, who answered this problem mainly with its superior air-force.

Soon enough it was cleared that the Land corps needed an advanced array of long-range artillery rockets (the range of the Katyusha was 10km), to answer the IDF's combat needs and to allow enemy-depth fire power.

In 1968, one of NATO's states addressed the IMI with a request in which IMI would develop for it a medium-range rocket engine. Following the state's request, came the development , which was sponsored by that state and was a boost to IMI's designing concern and for the IDF as well, who would benefit a foreign state's financed development. The system was developed without any help from outside.

That way, for the first time in the history of Israel's defense system, an artillery rocket genuine weapons system was developed, manufactured and supplied to the Artillery corps, IMI being the main contractor. The Ordnance corps was responsible for testing and was a secondary contractor.

This long-range artillery system led to the development of an 290mm rocket indigenous system by IMI, which was mainly used in the Peace For Galilee (1982).

The launcher vehicle, which carried four rockets, was based on the Sherman chassis. Later, another version of the MAR-290 that was based on Centurion chassis appeared.

This rocket system development proved that a full cooperation between all factors - the Military industries, weapons designers, and the "Technion" Engineers (derived from academy) were the key to success in this field.

Kilshon

This vehicle is basically an M4A1 Sherman tank composite hull HVSS with diesel engine (M-50) with the turret replaced.

The Kilshon is a tank fitted to launch the American Shrike anti radiation missile (and later Standart missiles) . The system was planned, produced and pressed into service right after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. It was meant to be used against Syrian and Egyptian SAM batteries radars, without endangering any planes and pilots. Taken out of service about the 1980s.

In Yom Kippur War 1973, Israel suffered severe losses to Arab air defences. Surface to Air Missiles (SAM) had forced Israeli aircraft to operate at very low level where they were susceptible to Anti-Aircraft Artillery. The Shrike air-to-ground anti-radar missile launched from Phantoms was not altogether successful in clashes with Syrian forces between October 1973 and April 1974.

Another option was to launch the Shrike missile with an Israeli-developed rocket booster from a turretless M51 Sherman chassis. The role of the Kilshon (Hebrew for Trident) was to take up a position near the battlefield and launch the Shrike (which had a range of sixteen kilometres in this surface-to-surface guise) after Israeli aircraft had teased the Arab air defence into switching on their search and targeting radars.

At least two batteries with 5 Kilshons each were operational. Kilshon was later further developed into the Keres (Hebrew for Hook) system. It used the Standard ARM and was prototyped on a Sherman Kilshon chassis but eventually fielded on standard M809 5 ton trucks because the antiquated Shermans were being retired. The Kilshon and Keres were operated for about 20 years by the air defense corps' 153rd battalion, initially from Palmachim AFB and later on from Ramat David AFB until it was finally disbanded several years ago.

The M-32 Sherman based Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARV) rear engine decks went through the same upgrade programs as did standard Shermans M-1, M-50 (from M4) during the period 1956 to post 1973. Iinevitably some M-32s did not go all the way with these upgrades and could be found with the Batch 1 engine deck until they were pensioned off.

M-32 VSS

With the induction of the M-50 tanks in the armoured corps, the IDF sought a recovery tank with a road speed like that of AFVs. Petrol engine Sherman M-32s were purchased from US Army surplus and commioned in the 1950s. Later they were modified like the rest of the Sherman tank fleet by replacement with a diesel engine and incorporation of a wide track,spring and suspension system.

M-32 HVSS

The Sherman M-32 underwent extensive modifications to bring it up to par with the other Shermans in service with the IDF. This included removing the obsolete petrol engine and replacing it with a diesel one. Its track and suspension were also replaced with a wider system that enable improved fodability. Only recently have the M-32 recovery vehicles been discontinued in the IDF

Trail Blazer

The Trail Blaser (Gordon) was built on the cast hull of an M4A1 Sherman, by the tank plant it the central depot the tank is equiped with a crane of ASS ton/meter lifting capability and two spades in the front and rear of the vehicle. There is also a towing winch apable to recover objects up to 72 tons.

The Trail Blazer is an Israeli combat engineer vehicle that doubles as a recovery vehicle, that essential replaced the M-32 style vehicles with a totally enclosed and easier to operate vehicle.

Dozer Blade

Sherman tank with dozer blade.

Mine Clearing System

Sherman tanks of the kind equipped with a British mine clearing system, served part of the Israeli armoured forces in the 1950s. The system included heavy chains connected to a drum. As the drum rotated, the chains hit the ground in front of the tank with intense force, therely detonating and blowing up mines, and clearing the axis for the forces advancing at the tank's heels.

At the end of the 60's, the IDF realized that there is a growing need for a medevac armoured vehicle for fast evacuation of wounds from a tough terrain field. The vehicle had to withstand enemy fire, and be able to provide maximum protection and medical treatment to wounds.

Instead of investing great amounts of money and resources in developing such vehicle, it had been decided to use an existing platform, thus shortening the development process.

The Sherman 's battle tank platform was chosen for the task. The Sherman was largely available and the specific model was the M4A1, which was used in the past as a basis to the M5A1 model.

In order to utilize sufficient amount of space which is critical to the vehicle's main purpose, the engine was transferred from the tank's rear part to the front, leaving large room for the task of wound treating. The hull could now house a medical crew and 4 stretch beds.

Workshop unit 650 of the ordnance corps was assigned the task of the conversion of the Sherman platform into what would later be called the Ambutank.

VSS model

VSS variant

In 1969, the first prototype of the Ambutank was introduced. This was the Ambutank VSS. It served in the IDF at the outset of the War of Attrition, at the southern front and at the northern sector of the Suez Canal .

HVSS model

HVSS variant

At a later stage, the Ambutank was built on a Sherman platform with a Kamin's engine, and wide Horizontal Volute Suspension System ( HVSS) . The HVSS had a special hatch on its floor which enabled it to pick up victims without endangering the crew.

The Ambutank HVSS was produced in large scales, and was used during the War of Attrition and Yom Kippur War at the Egyptian front along the Suez canal .

Driver Training

Widespread us of the Sherman by Armoured and Artillery Corps in the 1950-60s prompted a decision of modify some of them for drivers training. This tank, already equipped with wide track and suspension and diesel engine, had its turret opening shut by a round steel plate with a central opening for the driving instructor. The one shown here was used by the Artillery School and then became a prime-mover.

Eyal

This Sherman had its turret removed,and was installed with a hydraulic system capable of raising and observation device to a height of 27m. The system, that was engineered by ''EYAL'' Industries was reguisitioned by the IDF for use as a mobile look-out post along the Suez-Canal front, from the War of Attrition to the Yom Kippur War (1973)

Monster

In order to train gunners in shooting at a live target, the IDF installed stanted armoured plates on both sides of a Sherman tank. Due to lach of plates appropriate in size and thickness, use was made of panels of junked T-34 tanks which the IDF had captured in the Sinai Campaign (1956). This Sherman hull is still impregnated with the various typesof bullets fired during shooting practice.

Veterans for Constitution Restoration is a non-profit, non-partisan educational and grassroots activist organization. The primary area of concern to all VetsCoR members is that our national and local educational systems fall short in teaching students and all American citizens the history and underlying principles on which our Constitutional republic-based system of self-government was founded. VetsCoR members are also very concerned that the Federal government long ago over-stepped its limited authority as clearly specified in the United States Constitution, as well as the Founding Fathers' supporting letters, essays, and other public documents.

Actively seeking volunteers to provide this valuable service to Veterans and their families.

We here at Blue Stars For A Safe Return are working hard to honor all of our military, past and present, and their families. Inlcuding the veterans, and POW/MIA's. I feel that not enough is done to recognize the past efforts of the veterans, and remember those who have never been found.

I realized that our Veterans have no "official" seal, so we created one as part of that recognition. To see what it looks like and the Star that we have dedicated to you, the Veteran, please check out our site.

Duff Stuff

You are . . . mighty in work, for Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men. Jeremiah 32:19

When something big happensa blessing or a tragedywe recognize it immediately and respond with praise or pleadings to God. When we find a long-sought-after job, hear of a loved one coming to Christ, or get bad news from the doctor, we think of God and turn to Him. But in the little thingsthe routine, the mundane, the detailsit's easy for us to overlook that He is working (Jeremiah 32:19).

God is at work in the big and little things of the forest too. The big stuff, which is visible and colorful, is called duffthe partly decayed organic matter of leaves and sticks that covers the forest floor. But if you rake back the duff, you will find all sorts of important little things happening. The soil is rich and dark, and smells of life. It is filled with tiny plants, insects, and a variety of fungi. There under the duff they are performing an important function, for with them God is building the future forest.

The Lord works similarly with His people. Of course His eyes are on the big issues of life. But He's also at work "under the duff" through our everyday activities, preparing us for the significant tasks He has planned for us.

So when the mundane gets you down, thank God for what's under the duff. Dave Egner

We can give thanks in everything And say, "Your will be done," For God's at work in everything To make us like His Son. D. De Haan

1991 Lupita Jones, 23, of México, crowned 40th Miss Universe 1992 Expos Gary Carter is 3rd to catch 2,000 games (joins Boone & Fisk) 1993 Intel's new Pentium processor is unveiled 1996 Daniel Pipes reviews The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2,000 Years by Dr. Bernard Lewis 1996 Hutu gunmen attack 800 Zairian Tutsis who had taken refuge in a church 1998 Taliban jet fighters bomb a crowded market and killed at least 30 people and wounded 50 in Taloqan, the capital of Takhar province. 2000 Prosecutors in Birmingham, Ala., charged two longtime suspects in the deaths of four little girls in a church bombing in 1963 that became a watershed event in the civil rights movement. 2003 In Iraq US forces arrested Kamal Mustafa Abdallah Sultan al-Tikriti, former secretary of the Republican Guard (listed as No. 10 and the queen of clubs). Univ. students and teachers returned to their campuses. Holidays Note: Some Holidays are only applicable on a given "day of the week"

Cuba : Agrarian Reform/Peasant Day Norway : Independence Day/Constitution Day (1814) US : Armed Forces Day (Saturday) World Telecommunications Day National Hospital Week ends International Pickle Week (Day 2) Pack Rat Day National Tavern Month Religious Observances Roman Catholic : Commemoration of St Dunstan, archbp of Canterbury, patron of jewelers Roman Catholic : Commemoration of St Paschal Baylon, lay brother Feast of St. John Nepomucenus. St. Madron Feast Day Religious History 0352 Liberius was elected 36th pope of the Early Church. During this time the dispute between Arius and Athanasius was at its height, and after vacillating earlier, Liberius vindicated himself as a champion of Nicene orthodoxy. 1291 Scottish medieval Franciscan philosopher John Duns Scotus, 25, was ordained. He believed in "divine will" rather than "divine intellect," and founded a scholastic system called Scotism. In the Catholic Church he is known as "the Subtle Doctor." 1844 Birth of Julius Wellhausen, the German biblical scholar who, in his 1878 "History of Israel," first advanced the JEDP Hypothesis, claiming that the Pentateuch (i.e., the first five O.T. books) was a compilation of four earlier, literary sources. 1881 The Revised Version (EV or ERV) of the New Testament was first published in England. The Old Testament was completed in 1885. In 1905 the American Standard Version (ASV) ÀÀ based on the textual foundation of the ERV ÀÀ was published in the U.S. 1947 The Conservative Baptist Association of America (CBAA) was formally established at Atlantic City, NJ, as a breakaway movement from within the American Baptist Convention.

Source: William D. Blake. ALMANAC OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1987. Thought for the day : "If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters."

12
posted on 05/17/2005 5:41:47 AM PDT
by Valin
(The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.)

During a 1987 deployment, STARK was struck by two missiles fired by Iraqi aircraft. The fires that resulted claimed 37 lives, and only the heroic action of the crew saved the ship. Today the only remaining sign of this tragic event is the memorial engraving mounted in the midships' passageway, which lists the names of the lost shipmates.

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